University of Sheffield

University

Intercultural Communication and International Development

This course is designed to produce international developers with advanced intercultural communication skills - it's taught by the School of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Geography. A module on international project management integrates the two subjects and there are communication seminars designed for developers.
Fieldwork is important. The course includes a compulsory field class in the global south. Recent field classes were in the West Pokot region of Kenya and the suburbs of Cairo.
In a global society based on fairness, everyone's voice should be heard. The world needs developers who can communicate across cultural boundaries and bring people together. As a graduate of this course, you'll be well placed to make a difference.

Course modules

Core modules: Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication; Ethnography: reflective practice; Ideas and Practice in International Development; Spatial Planning and Development in the Global South; Placement Dissertation. You'll also take a ten-day field class overseas. There is an extra charge for overseas trips but it's great experience and value for money.
Examples of optional modules: International Management; Language in Context; Key Issues in Environment and Development; Understanding Environmental Change; HIV/AIDS; Living with Climate Change; International Project Management; Approaches to Translation Genres; Enhanced Languages Project 1; Enhanced Languages Project 2; Tandem Learning for Intercultural Communication; Localisation for Linguists; Critical Reading and Writing at MA Level; Cities of Diversity; Cities of the South: planning for informality; Intercultural Communication in Practice; Professional Problem-based Learning.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by coursework and a dissertation. The dissertation involves a work placement (often undertaken in the global south) with a development organisation.